Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser., 1887-03-25

room-a short, plump, very broad
shouldered young woman with turn
ed up nose big black eyes, long eye
lashes aud crisp, curly black hair.
Her color came and went. so that one
moment her cheek was dappled with
red and the next 4 clear brunette tint.
She had white teeth and pretty hands,
and | knew by the way she looked at
me that she had spirit; but | knew
also that women are ignorant Of law,
and thought that could remember
/ her.
miss Middlebury," said |.
"Yes, SIR" said she.
"Martin-of Martin, Grubb & Co."
said |. bowing.
/ Very much pleased 10 see you, Mr..
Martini" said she. "l've often heard
papa speak Of you"
"My dearest friend-one Of them, at
least" said |. "Your father is man
for daughter to be proud of Miss
Middlebury.'
Yes" said she, 81 suppose so. And
what did papa tell YOU to say to me p
| My dear young lady said |, "do
you know that you are seriously Of
Tending your good papa"
ITO b. seriously offended is pas
normal condition." said she, $50 it
don't matter much
lyon are aware that | made Il will
/ in your favor some time ago. said |.
And papa threatens to alter 1t If !
show any desire to please myself in
anything" said Miss Matilda. 81
presume he sent you here to say so.
He hs. said it very often himself. very
often, indeed asd tell you, as | told
him. that money, though not undesirs,
BILE, 10 nothing when it stands in the
way of the strongest feelings Of ones
life. What is the use OF mincing mat
ters. You know pa objects TO my
marriage, but | am of age; he is un
reasonable. intend TO do as | please.
There's your answer"
Madam" said !. ry message from
your father is this: Iou are to return
home, under my escort. at once
"Perhaps shall refuse to go, said
she.
"Madam.' said |, al am prepared
for that"
And then brought in the legal
hocus pocus with which | hal armed
myself.
Madame" said !. "thou:h Of age,
il is necessary for you to show just
cause before you can refuse to return
to parcnt's roof. Nine davs are nee
essary for a quiet claim. Meanwhile
sou are legally = minor. Pending
/ your proof before u magistrate, | have
authority to arrest you aud take You
home. DO so in the name Of the
Law. trust YOU will not force me TO
put handouts upon n ladys wrists or
to call in four police officers and lodge
you in Jail Ill nigh, but, being under
bond. TO do so If you resist; other
wise. can offer You my arm, and So
cort you, as gentleman might, to the
railway station.
| AZ she listened. all the pretty red
color faded from Miss Matilda's
CHI eks.
What a dreadful thing the law
lis!" she said. IL had no idea such
laws existed. Then | suppose | must
go with you. But I'm not a baby.
Show me your proofs-your papers,
whatever gives YOU your rights"
took from my pocket lease writ
ten on parchment and tied with red
tape.
1.-The warrant, madame" said.
| turned over the edge Of my waist.
con, and exhibited the pin OF the Jolly
Good Fellows Club of which am u
member.
MY badge as officer, madam
said.
She turned paler still she sat down
and began to cry. Suddenly she
wipea her eJes.
MAY | write note 10 tell some
body why break an engagement -
she said. "And before | 60 down to
that stupid hole where papa wants to
bury me, will you go with me to t.e
dressmaker's
"Certainlr," | said. To m, self
remarked: "S. e will plan to e:cape
ut the dressmaker's. | must watch
her there
1 Miss Matilda wrote the note. Sh,
sent it of before my eyes, and without
leaving the room. sac called u maid tc
bring her lace shawl and hat and veil
''And my pearl l-coiored gloves
Rose" SIZE added. "Ard, remember
pack everything nicely"
Then, having hidden good by to hel
weeping friend, who called her paps
; ~ BRUTE" and who refuses To be iii.
troduced to ME, we started Oft As ",
left the house | watched her cl' sely
There was souething in her face dll
. not like, but | felt that | was master
Of the situation.
"Where does your dressmaker live?'
| asked
She gave me the address. 1t wa
not u store--a fashionable Set Of par
: lors i'll - street. There lay th'
danger, and | knew it.
! miss Matilda" sail |, "you vii
forgive you for reminding you that
I cannot leave you even for momen mt.
"No need to remind me Of that,
she answered, IN II tone that was not
! to say the least Of it, very compIimen
/ tary.
We walked down the street togeth
er, and |, as an elderly gentleman, fel
that l might offer her my arm. Sh'
= was capable | saw, of running ava.
Z at any moment. but she did not run
She sauntered slowly, staring at tn
: shops as she went on, and making re
: marks about the people she passed
J. She carried little bag in her hand